The best cycling routes around Put van Broekhoven

Wonderful and mostly quite narrow path - just enjoy it and don't rush too much.

In 1932, André de Jong set up a hairdressing salon in Bodegraven. He started a modest factory where a range of products were made, such as brilliantine, permanent wave solutions, hair washes, toothpaste, nail polish, and perfumes. There was high demand for his products, and in 1940, Firma André de Jong en Zoon was registered with the Chamber of Commerce in Gouda. In 1947, he moved into a large, empty factory building in Bodegraven: a towering old oil storage facility called ‘De Phoenix’. The original oil storage facility consists of a two-story building with a mansard roof (warehouse), a boiler house with a factory chimney, and a five-story business building (oil storage). Founded in 1905 as a steam oil storage facility for the Zaan company Honig, the complex was expanded around 1915 and named ‘De Phoenix’. In 1947, this striking warehouse on the Oude Rijn became the Andrélon factory. The brand would grow into one of the largest cosmetic producers in the Netherlands. Andrélon is now part of Unilever. The factory was closed and partly demolished in 2005. (https://www.struinenenvorsen.nl/verhalen-blog/phoenix-van-shampoofabriek-naar-startersappartementen/)

Surprisingly beautiful small place with a cozy center and many historic houses.

Since 1997, the Rotterdam-based firm West 8, led by Adriaan de Geuze, has been working on the design for Máximapark. The Lily Pond Bridge is one of the park's jewels. The rectangular Lily Pond in the Binnenhof is a unique water feature in the park. You can cross the pond via an elegant bridge with the characteristic daisy motif in the railing. Next to the pond is a picnic area. On the other side is Taxodium Island, a leafy and flowery woodland area with natural inlets that is a haven for birds, dragonflies, newts, and frogs. (https://www.ontdek-leidscherijn.nl/ontdekken/geen-brug-te-ver/)

The IJsselpoort gate is located on the north side of Montfoort's old town center, near the Hollandse IJssel River. It was originally part of the city walls, which also had gates on the west and east sides and a Waterpoort (Water Gate) as an entrance. In 1329, Montfoort was granted city rights. The then-viscount was so powerful that he could grant them on his own. This was unusual, as a bishop or count was usually involved. A city wall was built around Montfoort with three gates and a town hall. One of the gates has become part of the city's coat of arms. The pillories, which convicts used to walk through the city, hang on the gate. (https://stadswandelingmontfoort.nl/l/ijsselpoort)

The Burgemeester Lucasselaan Bridge is a distinctive white drawbridge in Reeuwijk, located on Burgemeester Lucasselaan near the Reeuwijk Lakes. It provides an important connection for traffic and cyclists between the lakes and the village. The bridge contributes to the charming, watery appearance of the area.

The Rozenbrug (Roses Bridge) in Woerden is a manually operated drawbridge dating from 1938 over the Oude Rijn (Old Rhine), built to replace a swing bridge from 1875. It is named after the De Roos inn and features a characteristic steel design in the "Amsterdam style." The bridge was recently restored, during which it was temporarily removed and returned via Bodegraven. It is both functionally and historically important to Woerden.

The Haastrecht Hefbrug is a striking, manually operated drawbridge over the Hollandse IJssel River, built in 1883 to replace a ferry. It connects the center of Haastrecht with the Stein district and has become a historical and cultural icon. The bridge opens only a few times a day and sometimes causes waiting times for recreational boaters.